Question

Although Hamlet is about political intrigue, it is also a play about family. In this scene we are introduced to Hamlet, his new step-father (and uncle), and Hamlet’s mother. In a well-structured essay, describe each of these three characters and how they relate to one another in this scene

Answer 1

The main character of Hamlet, Shakespeare's famous tragedy, is Prince Hamlet. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet has just lost his father and is still mourning. His mother, Gertrude, and his uncle, Claudius, however, got married soon after his death. Claudius, as it turns out soon, has plotted against his brother in order to inherit the throne. But he was not satisfied with his position as a king - he wanted Gertrude to become his wife, as well. This makes him a rather greedy and deceitful character. Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, is a rather shallow woman, who cares more about her status than about her husband. Both her and Claudius want Hamlet to stop mourning - they want to focus on happiness about their marriage. Hamlet, at first hurt and shocked by the fact that his uncle murdered his father, devises a plan to revenge his father. He decides that he will act as a crazy person.

Answer 2

Answer:

The main character of Hamlet, Shakespeare's famous tragedy, is Prince Hamlet. At the beginning of the play, Hamlet has just lost his father and is still mourning. His mother, Gertrude, and his uncle, Claudius, however, got married soon after his death. Claudius, as it turns out soon, has plotted against his brother in order to inherit the throne. But he was not satisfied with his position as a king - he wanted Gertrude to become his wife, as well. This makes him a rather greedy and deceitful character. Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, is a rather shallow woman, who cares more about her status than about her husband. Both her and Claudius want Hamlet to stop mourning - they want to focus on happiness about their marriage. Hamlet, at first hurt and shocked by the fact that his uncle murdered his father, devises a plan to revenge his father. He decides that he will act as a crazy person.